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He had not dared insist, and never had he been more consciously a guest, but could people live on fare so scant as this? It was like Frances to want to know how other people lived and not to be content with knowing. But after she knew how could she sleep at night? Great God! If there was to be a day of judgment what could men say men like himself and his friends?
Personally, I experienced a touch of that same bewilderment which had come over me during my first talk with Frances on the evening of my arrival, for I recall now the acute tension, and the hope, yet dread, that one or other of us must sooner or later introduce the subject. It did not happen, however; no reference was made to it even remotely.
"What has that to do with earning money?" "The Governor would probably find an income in one case, and not in the other. I do not quite say that it ought to be so, but it is not unreasonable that it should be so." Then Lady Frances said a great deal as to that pride in her lover which would not allow him to accept such a position as that which was now suggested.
When, however, on the return of the porter, he found that the money was coming, his scruples were satisfied, and he hastened to run home. We may imagine the stupor of Mrs. The anxiety of Frances at sight of Mrs. Grivois was equally striking.
The habit hard-learned by the old, and especially the old of her particular sex of not wishing for the moon, or at all events of not letting others know that you are wishing for it, had long enabled Frances Freeland to talk cheerfully on the most indifferent subjects whether or no her heart were aching.
"Wattie," she said, "I want you to go out to the barn and harness up old Doll and the colt. I want you to go with me and Mary Frances over to grandfather Hazlitt's." The boy's mouth and eyes grew round. "To-night?" "Yes, right away. I don't want you to ask any questions, Wattie. Mother never yet told you to do anything wrong. Just go out and get the team, and be as quiet as you can."
Frances had heard the cattleman's loud demand for instant audience. Now the maid was explaining in temporizing tones. "The colonel he's busy with military matters this early in the day, sir, and nobody ever disturbs him. He don't see nobody but the officers. If you'll step in and wait " "The officers can wait!" Chadron said, in loud, assertive voice that made the servant shiver. "Where's he at?"
She found herself suddenly famous in her social world; every one was talking of her, but to her horror, was connecting Ranald's name with her's in a most significant way. It was too awful, and if her Aunt Frances should hear of it, the consequences would be quite too terrible for her to imagine. She must stop the talk at once.
The fellow now sat easily in his saddle at a little distance and rolled a cigarette, leering in the meantime at the ranch girl and her friend. "What does that fellow want?" demanded Pratt again. "Oh, don't mind him," said Frances, hurriedly. "He has been discharged from the Bar-T " "That's the fellow you said made the steers stampede?" Pratt interrupted. "Yes."
If he were not here he would be alone, with nothing to do. And Christmas eve alone! He drew in his breath and looked at Frances. In her face was warm, rich color, and her eyes were gay and bright, but she was tired. She would deny it if asked. He did not have to ask. If only he could take her away and let her rest! She was going up-stairs to change her dress.
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